COP19 (16/11/13) – Paul Oquist Kelley the Minister of Nicaragua talks about the lack of progress at these talks year on year.

He recalls the number of agreements that have been made in different talks dating back to Cancun on which they have yet to decide a means of implementation. Finance is still at a stand still as the Green Climate Fund that was created in Durban still remains empty. He emphasises the need for road maps and the need for implementation if there is to be progress.

Despite the lack of progress on an international level he describes the relief at the fact that things are happening on a national and local level especially in Nicaragua.

Finally he says that a voluntary approach (bottom-up) to a climate deal will not work and that we need a universal, legally binding agreement that is within the convention and respects the principals of Rio including common but differentiated responsibility.